how far can a newborn baby see
Newborn babies have limited vision, and their ability to see the world around them is not as developed as that of adults. Here are some facts about a newborn baby’s vision:
- Distance: Newborn babies can see objects and people at a distance of around 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) away. This is roughly the distance between a baby’s face and their caregiver’s face during feeding or cuddling.
- Visual acuity: Newborn babies have a visual acuity of around 20/400, which means they can see objects clearly at a distance of 20 feet that an adult with normal vision can see at 400 feet.
- Field of vision: Newborn babies have a limited field of vision, estimated to be around 45 degrees. This means they can see a relatively narrow area in front of them, but not much to the sides.
- Color vision: Newborn babies can see in shades of gray and white, but their color vision is not fully developed. They can detect some colors, such as red and yellow, but not as vividly as adults.
- Tracking objects: Newborn babies can track moving objects, but only if they are close and moving slowly.
It’s worth noting that a newborn baby’s vision develops rapidly in the first few months of life. By around 6-8 weeks, babies can see objects and people at a distance of several feet away, and their visual acuity improves to around 20/200. By 4-6 months, babies can see colors more vividly and track moving objects more easily.
Keep in mind that every baby is different, and some may develop their vision more quickly or slowly than others. If you have concerns about your baby’s vision, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.
